THE Hard Rock Cafe has confirmed plans to open a new venue in the heart of Glasgow later this year - creating 80 jobs in the city.

As revealed by the Evening Times earlier this year, the company had plans to move into the city, and has now confirmed its intention to transform the A-listed former Athenaeum Theatre in Buchanan Street into a licensed restaurant.

The 9000sq ft space will be able to seat 170 people and is expected to open by November.

The company says the venture will will be ­recruiting in the city in the coming months.

It will also feature a live music area for weekly events, a late night bar and a 'rock shop'.

The company say the cafe will also be available for private celebrations and memorable event functions to accommodate Glasgow's growing conference market.

Dave Pellow, European Vice President of Operations for Hard Rock. made the announcement at the opening of an exhibition of the company's trademark memorabilia at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall.

He was flanked by Hard Rock Cafe's cultural ambassador Rita Gilligan, the company's first employee and its longest serving waitress. She has worked with the firm across the globe for more than 40 years.

Mr Pellow said they had been looking at moving into Glasgow for some time.

"Glasgow is an inspiring city and with the Commonwealth Games coming next year the vibe is going to fantastic.

"It's a city we've looked at for quite a while and it was important to us that Buchanan Street be a location for us."

And he said the new restaurant will feature a host of Hard Rock memorabilia, adding: "I wouldn't be surprised to see Scots like KT Tunstall and Angus Young from AC/DC featured, as well as other global stars."

Other bits of rock and roll history expected to go on display in the Glasgow venue are a green two-piece suit worn by The Who's Pete Townsend in the 1975 hit film Tommy, an artist's paint palette used by Scottish-born fifth Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe when he was at Liverpool College of Art and a sports tie worn by guitarist Eric Clapton.

There are 175 Hard Rock Cafes in 53 countries, but so far Edinburgh is the only city in Scotland that has a Hard Rock.

The announcement of the new Glasgow venture came as an exhibition of some of the Hard Rock's priceless memorabilia went on display at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall until August 25 and entry is free.

It will give fans an look at pieces like Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' red leather jacket, Madonna's iconic gold corset created by Jean Paul Gaultier, Lady Gaga's Oscar Lima black dress and a spandex catsuit worn by Freddie Mercury on Queen's 1978 Jazz tour.

Items from The Killers, Elvis, The Who, KISS, and Katy Perry, are also on display.

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk